Sauna FAQs

What is Infrared? Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of radio waves. The radiation penetrates the body and heats through a process called conversion, instead of heating the air around you.

Infrared light, as radiated by the Sun, lies between the Visible and Microwave sectors of the electromagnetic spectrum.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

Traditional steam/hot rock saunas raise the temperature of the air in the sauna cabin in order to warm the body. Far infrared (FIR) saunas use the safe warming properties of the sun's far infrared spectrum to warm the body rather than the air within the cabin. This process is called conversion. FIR warms only the object and does not raise the temperature of the surrounding air. To understand how infrared heat works, picture yourself outdoors on a summer day with the sun beaming overhead. Your body feels warm from the sun and you become hot. Then a cloud passes overhead, blocking out the sun. The temperature outside has not changed, but you feel cooler in the shade. Your body was being heated by the sun's far infrared rays. Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight.

All life requires FIR heat from the sun. FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation but a narrow band of energy within the 5 to 15 micron level. This type of energy travels 40 - 45 mm deep into the body. The sun is the primary source of radiant energy but not all of this energy is beneficial. Sunlight also contains harmful ultraviolet rays which are not present in the far infrared sauna. FIR heat provides the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of ultraviolet rays.

The healthcare industry has used infrared heat lamps as a source of FIR heat for many years (Eg to warm prematurely born babies) however the heating lamps were cumbersome, extremely hot and difficult to maintain at a constant temperature. The recent development of ceramic and carbon fibre infrared heaters created a new and convenient source of FIR heat.

If we don't spend enough time outdoors then we may not receive enough infrared in our bodies. While far infrared penetrates and heats our body and causes us to sweat, the composition of chemicals found in the sweat is quite different from that produced by a steam bath, traditional steam/hot rock sauna, or exercise. The sweat of people using a far infrared sauna will not only contain water but will also contain cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, heavy metals (such as mercury, aluminum, and arsenic), nicotine, sulfuric acid, ammonia, and other undesirable elements. Normal sweat produced by other methods, including exercise, is mostly water and sodium chloride (salt).

The regular use of an infrared sauna has a cumulative effect on the body, meaning that using it on a regular basis magnifies its benefits.Are Infrared saunas safe to use?

Health Professionals have been using far infrared technology for years. Have you ever gone to a Physiotherapist with a sprain and they put a red heat lamp on it? Well that's infrared. Infrared treatment is also widely used in burn units to accelerate healing and hospital baby care incubators. Far infrared is from the safest end of the sun's spectrum and is also something that our warm body generates.

Can I use the sauna if I'm pregnant?No, we don't recommend using the sauna while pregnant.

At what temperature setting should I have the infrared sauna?The recommended temperature is between 45 and 55 degrees.

How long should I sit in an infrared sauna? Not exceeding 45 minutes at a time.

Do I need to bring anything?Nope, we've got it all covered! Just arrive 5 mins before your booking time and we'll show you to your room where you'll find a towel to wear and another towel to dry off with.

We're an aerosol free zone so if you bring deodorant along please ensure it's a roll on, or use it after you leave. Aerosols have been shown to be one of the biggest pollutants of the home and we like to keep this space as low tox as possible.

How is the sauna kept clean?

During every sauna session, a fresh towel is used on the floor. Each person in the sauna sits on a fresh towel so as to avoid sweating directly on the seat. The timber is wiped down with a damp cloth and tiny amount of tea tree oil between every sauna session.

Can I bring my child with me?The sauna isn't suitable for children as they are unable to regulate their body temperature so may overheat. The Low Tox Fox has many treatment rooms which we keep as quiet as possible - so we don't disturb other people enjoying a treatment we ask you not to bring you child to your appointment